6 May
Here are some more May and summer events that illustrate what many of us like to do no matter what our heritage culture is; i.e. enjoy art, music, poetry, drama, festivals, food, comics, interesting stories, important discussions, whatever. Experiencing these in the colours of other cultures might make them even more exciting for you.
We try to limit these to those that are free or nearly-free because Toronto has an overwhelming number of world-inspired events. We hope you will consider attending some of them even though you are not of that culture. Portuguese Week of course goes on into June. Toronto Heritage tours to ethnic neighbourhoods are in July and August also. Sorry we can’t list Toronto’s many interesting films from around the world. There are just too many for us to handle. — Ruth
China. Celebration “15”: Voices of Chinese Canadian Women in Ontario. May 10. 6-8pm. Speeches. Launch of website. Toronto Reference Library. https://www.facebook.com/events/423461771367770/
England. Toronto. Mother’s Day Tea and Tour. Sunday, May 14, 1 to 4 pm. $7 plus tax. Bring Mom to this old inn to celebrate Mother’s Day with afternoon tea. Price includes a complimentary guided tour of this charming 19th century British museum. All ages are welcome. First come, first served. Montgomery’s Inn, 4709 Dundas Street West. http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=7899606b4d301410VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD&WT.rd_id=museum-events#031c447698401410VgnVCM10000071d60f89____vtabs6collapse0
Interfaith. 31st Annual Event. Neighbourhood Interfaith Group. Thursday May 11. $15 (includes buffet vegetarian dinner, with certified kosher option available by advance order. The purchase deadline is 3pm Monday May 8.). For tickets or information, please contact the event co-chairs Gary Posner (gary@posnerma.com) or Samira Kanji (skanji@noorculturalcentre.ca). Noor Cultural Centre, 123 Wynford Drive, North York. The discussion topic is “Islamophobia and Antisemitism: Common Roots, Common Challenge.”, addressed by Professor Ivan Kalmar, with discussants Professor Stephen B. Scharper and Azeezah Kanji. http://northtorontointerfaith.ca/31st-annual-event-thursday-may-11-2017/
Multicultural. Toronto Comic Arts Festival. May 13 and 14. Some events free. “Large displays of materials and visiting creators from Germany, France, Japan, and Italy.Over 20 countries represented.” Toronto Reference Library and other venues. http://www.torontocomics.com/
Multicultural. Opus 8. H2O. Wednesday, May 17. 7:30 to 8:30pm. Free. “This is no mere offering of sea shanties, but a phantasmagoria of all things aquatic, shipwrecked and watery. Opus 8 will be taking you through a historical journey from the rivers of Babylon and the river Jordan to the torrents of summer and the tears of unrequited lovers. Row, row, row your boat to Toronto and check them out.” Trinity College Chapel, 6 Hoskin Avenue. http://www.opus8choir.com/concerts
Multicultural. Korea, Philippines. Heritage Toronto Tours. May 4 to October 1. Free to $20. 64 public tours this year, “something for everyone, whether you’re interested in learning about Toronto’s architecture, exploring the history of our rich music scene, or discovering the roots of social and scientific innovations that have shaped the city and changed the world.
“Register at heritagetoronto.org/events , and guarantee yourself a spot and access to additional tour materials. For more information on all tours, download the Tours Brochure (PDF).”
Note: May 14. Little Manila: Migration Food and Identity. July 13. Koreatown. July 22. Kensington Market (multicultural); August 12 Koreatown ; Aug. 13 Little Manila.
Multicultural. Beit Zatoun is still around. You can get on its mailing list of the kind of events it used to host on Markham Street but are now elsewhere. Recently, it has included events that relate to Palestine, Israel, authors, and poetry. http://beitzatoun.org/news-letters/. Its latest newsletter also mentions a couple new book launches and readings: http://beitzatoun.org/events/.
Multicultural. Toronto Newcomer Day. May 15. 11:30am-3:30pm. Free. Pay for food. Everyone welcome. Nathan Phillips Square. toronto.ca/newcomerday .
Portugal. Official Opening Portugal Week 1987-2017. May 13. 11am-5pm. Free. Speeches from local dignitaries and the kick off for various programs in May and June. Gallery of the Portuguese Pioneers, 960 St. Clair Ave West. On May 13, also, is the Scholarship and Merit Award Gala Dinner (expensive) being held at Local 183 Gerry Gallagher Hall. Its website lists the popular Portuguese parade and exhibitions. A three-day free festival on Canada Day Weekend with new upcoming Canadian young artists. Please save the following dates and information as we might not be able to mention these events again: http://acapo.ca/events.
For the Opening: http://acapo.ca/event/official-opening-liuna-portugal-week-2017.Please send us your posters about other upcoming affordable events that express Toronto’s cultural diversity. We don’t charge to post them and we don’t accept paid advertising. Tell us about your adventures in multicultural Toronto. Subscribe to our mailing list above. Follow us on www.twitter.torontomulticul. Leave a Reply below or email us: ruthlormalloy@gmail.com. — Ruth